From Kayaks to Kicks : The Best Gear at ICAST 2026

Introduction: When it comes to watercraft, kayak angling continues to be one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry, with continued innovation in design, customization, and performance. Wrapping up our ICAST coverage, we take a look at some of the most exciting kayaks, electronics, apparel, and footwear showcased at this year's show.

Kayak fishing continues to be one of the fastest growing segments. Some of the most interesting new boats come from Voya X

The Voya X Mossa is available in a 12'8" and 9'7" sizes. The Mossa 128 is built for fuller loadouts while the smaller Mossa 97 is all about compact format and easy management for solo anglers

The heart of the Mossa series is their XPDL drive system which has SpotHold, E-Assist, and 360 steering. There is even fish finder integration built into one system

The smaller Mossa 97's hull weighs only 66lbs. The XPDL weighs 29lbs on both boats. Retail price on the Mossa 128 is $4,499 and $2,999 on the smaller Mossa 97

Live near water? The Suspenz Fishing Kayak Bike Trailer is designed for bikes and e-bike and can help you move your kayak from door to shore. A flexible coupler disconnects quickly and also helps anglers launch in tight areas. Retail price will be $349

Old Town Watercraft is still among the most respected and trusted kayak builders and build on their pedal driven kayaks with an all new Sportsmen 120 Pro

The Sportsmen 120 is a compact paddle kayak with Pro-level customization. It is like a blank slate for anglers looking to configure the perfect build for how they want to fish

Without the pedal system there is a lot of space to stand and fish in the cockpit

Plenty of space for storage and rigging and there is 140 inches of aluminum accessory tracks all around

The Sportsman 120 PRO is built for anglers who want propulsion options on their terms. The bow features a universal four-hole insert pattern for easy trolling motor installation, for motors like the Minn Kota Kayak Terrova, while the stern is ready for transom-mount trolling motors or optional shallow water anchors
 

Thru-hull wiring makes it easy to add electronics anywhere

The Sportsmen 120 PRO retails for only $1999 and is ready for endless configurations. Anglers can go simple and paddle and fish immediately or add power and electronics of their choice. This really is a great blank slate for both weekend and pro anglers

The product that I am most excited about from Old Town is the EPDL+ Retrofit

Leveraging the proven design of the ePDL+ drive the retrofit kit is a power-assisted upgrade for existing PDL kayaks

The unit comes ready to go with no wiring needed

The retrofit upgrade is available for Bigwater, Predator, Malibu, and 106 & 120 Topwater and Sportsman PDL kayaks

The Old Town ePDL+ rechargeable battery system is integrated right into the unit. It includes a 6.5Ah lithium ion battery and charger providing up to 13.5 hours of runtime on Level 1 cruise control, 6.5 hours on Level 3 cruise control, and 1 hour on Level 5 cruise control, depending on conditions

Simply drop into the existing pedal drive console and anglers get power assisted propulsion. Each ePDL+ retrofit unit retails for $2,499

The new ePDL+ Retrofit breathes new life into existing popular Old Town kayaks enabling anglers to go further, navigate new areas, tackle tidal currents, and explore longer stretches of open water

Garmin always has a big presence at ICAST and the new LiveScope 2 HD was a hot topic at the show

The new LiveScope 2 HD system is Garmin's clearest live sonar to date and is designed to deliver smoother images, more clarity, and a simpler installation that eliminates the need for a black box. Retail price of the new system is $2,199

I've trusted HUK foul weather gear for years and their newest products are designed to provide protection from the harshest elements without breaking the bank. The new Stormhaul jackets feature 3L polyester shells rated at 20K waterproof protection and are fully seam sealed and articulated for unrestricted movement. These jackets retail for $285

The matching Stormhaul bib offers the same levels of protection and are also available with an exclusive KC Scott artwork pattern or traditional grey. The Stormhaul bib feels light in weight so it won't weigh you down when worn all day and retails for $285

HUK is probably best known for their excellent technical shirts. This Spring the ICON PRO printed hoodie is built from stretch-knit fabric with 50+ UPF sun protection and DRICOMFORT GEO 365 technology for rapid moisture management and fast drying comfort. The stormy blue pattern looks great and will retail for $75
 

HUK is also committed to delivering quality apparel for women and will offer the ICON PRO in cuts and sizes specifically for women

The HUK Storm 3L KC Printed jacket is designed to keep women anglers fishing when conditions turn, this 3-layer stretch-woven rain jacket features StormX stretch technology, 10K waterproof/3K breathable performance, DWR protection, and fully sealed seams for reliable weather defense. Raglan sleeves enhance casting mobility, while an adjustable hood, cuffs, and hem provide a customizable fit. $160 and available this Spring

HUK also offers a wide range of footwear and the Rogue Wave Mossy Oak 12" boot is built for all-day comfort and increased height and protection

Durable neoprene rubber construction shields against the elements, while HUK's exclusive Grip-X outsole with multi-directional traction and water-dispersing microchannels delivers confident footing on slick decks and docks. Available in sizes 7-14 for $140

Looking for something on the opposite end of the spectrum? HUK's Rogue Island Flip-FLOP is designed to deliver comfort without sacrificing grip on slick decks with a Grio-X outsole and will retail for $85

Andy Gilbert President of Strike Footwear shows us the new Flying Fish sneaker, a sleek looking new shoe that is super lightweight and still offers plenty of protection and traction

The Flying Fish continues the company's fast draining Aqua Sluice system and also features super critical EVA like high performance running shoes for more stability and comfort while fishing all day

A look at the sole of the Flying Fish which is designed for multiple deck surfaces. The Flying Fish will retail for $150

The insole can be removed or replaced on the Flying Fish and features a matrix for comfort and weight reduction

Another option coming from Strike features a dial lacing system

The Silvertip Drift Boat Shoe is a classic boat shoe reimagined with many technical features

Built for anglers who spend long days offshore, the Silvertip Drift stays true to the essential features that have defined the boat shoe for generations including a non-marking, slip-resistant outsole and water-repellent leather construction while introducing Strike's proprietary Aqua Sluice drainage system to quickly shed water and keep feet drier throughout the day

The Strike Aqua Sluice drainage system features a rapid-drain construction and fast-drying materials help anglers stay comfortable through changing conditions

Like every Strike Footwear product, the Silvertip Drift incorporates thoughtfully sourced materials that support the brand's sustainability mission. The shoe features leather from an LWG-certified tannery, SEAQUAL YARN made from marine plastic, recycled polyester throughout the upper and lining, BLOOM EVA in the footbed, recycled EVA in the midsole, and recycled rubber incorporated into the outsole

A look at the sole of the Silvertip which features sticky rubber and is non-marking. The Silvertip retails for $140

Strike is also expanding their line of technical sandals

Upcoming models feature enhanced materials that are designed to be lightweight without sacrificing durability or comfort

While some of Strike's initial offerings featured very bright colors and highlights many of the new models feature a more stealthy yet clean style. We like the evolution.

Strike also offers a technical Flip Flop, the Narrowtooth offers shock absorbing comfort in a slip on package. Increased cushioning is provided by the three-density EVA footbed and midsole, while the 100% RPET webbing toe post adds durability

This new flip flop also features Strike's Aqua Deck Outsole with Solum Bio Tread which is designed to provide non-slip traction on wet and dry surfaces, slowly releasing plant-based nutrients back into the environment with every step. The Narrowtooth will retail for $90

New for Spring is the Wahoo Boot, a serious boot for anglers looking for maximum protection. It has a compression molded midsole and plenty of arch support and a aeroprene mesh liner that goes throughout the boot so it fits comfortably like a sock. This great looking new boot will retail for $190

With our look at the latest from ICAST now complete, we're returning to our regularly scheduled programming and diving back into our tackle reviews. Stay tuned as we put some of these new ICAST introductions to the test and explore what's worth adding to the arsenal... starting with a roundup of topwater wire baits in our 2026 Buzzbait Blowout.